Hecatomb (Noun)
Meaning
A great sacrifice; an ancient Greek or Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The victorious general returned home to a hero's welcome, where he was feted with a grand feast and hecatomb of a hundred oxen offered to the gods in his name.
- In ancient times, the people of Athens would periodically hold a hecatomb to appease the gods and ensure a bountiful harvest.
- The priest carefully oversaw the preparations for the ritual hecatomb, making sure that every detail was observed and every oxen was perfect.
- The imperial court held a grand hecatomb to celebrate the emperor's jubilee, an event that was talked about for months afterwards.
- Despite its rarity, the tradition of the hecatomb continues to this day, albeit in a more symbolic form, as a way to honor the ancient customs of Greece.